Living in the Spirit
August 8, 2014

 Scripture Reading: Romans 10:5-15 

But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ — Romans 10:14-15 

I do not know how many conversations I have had in recent months when someone says something about not being able to get around like they once did and my response is to ask if they have tried yoga. I share the good news that regular use of yoga has made me much more flexible, that the right kind of movement is one of the best things anyone can do for osteoarthritis, and that I am living proof of both. Regarding yoga, I don’t think I press the point too much, but I usually increase their interest. Now, if you get me started on tracing my family tree and encouraging others to do the same, the occasional response is that glassy-eyed look from someone trying to change the subject.

There is a time and place for discussions about what being in relationship with God through Jesus Christ has meant to us. If we know the greatest story ever told, why don’t we tell it? Most of those of us over 50, at least here in the Bible-belt, have been corned at one time or another by an oppressive zealot asking if we have been saved etc. I think in the backs of our minds we do not want to be like them so we don’t say anything at all.

Those of us who are called “cradle Christians” because we were raised in a Christian home and have known no other way of being may take for granted that everyone had the same experience. I learned on my first sleepover with a friend when I was about six that everybody didn’t follow the same routines as my family. My father loved to play the guitar and sing and almost every evening after we children had gone to bed he would sing. On that first sleepover, after lying in bed with my friend for a while, I finally asked her when was her dad going to sing, and she thought I was crazy. There are many young people in the world today who have little knowledge of the Christian faith because they never heard it at home.

Paul challenges us in this scripture today to realize that we cannot take for granted that everyone knows about the Good News of Christ Jesus. We are the ones to share it.

Prayer: O Lord, make me a blessing to someone today and please save me from boring them in the process. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.